The Rapture of the Church
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
In this sermon we are going to compare scriptures for the Rapture and the 2nd Advent of Jesus Christ to show that they are two completely different events and give some important facts regarding the rapture of the Church.
First we will read 1 Corinthians 15:51-57 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and make a list for things that happen at the rapture.
- Happens in the moment, the twinkling of an eye.
- Dead are raised
- Last trump sounds
- Jesus descends with shout, voice of archangel, and the trump of God
- Those saved and alive are caught up in the clouds to meet Jesus and the dead who are raised
- Jesus does not come to the earth
Now we will read Revelation 1:7 with Revelation 19:11-21 and make a list for things that happen at the 2nd Advent of Jesus Christ.
- Jesus does come in clouds but every eye shall see him.
- People on earth wail because of his coming.
- Jesus comes to judge the world in righteousness and makes war.
- He is clothed with a vesture dipped in blood (See Revelation 14:14-20 for explanation)
- Armies that are in heaven follow Jesus to the earth.
- Destroys the Anti-christ and his armies at the battle of Armageddon.
From these two sets of scripture we can plainly see that these are two totally separate events.
Facts regarding the Rapture:
1) No signs preceding the rapture
- There are signs in the Bible for the last days (example Matthew 24:1-12) but these are signs for the 2nd The rapture happens 7 years prior to the 2nd Advent of Jesus Christ.
- This shows us the rapture could happen at any moment.
2) It is only for those “in Christ” (1 Thessalonians 4:14,16)
- You must be “in Christ” to make this event. One is placed “in Christ” by the Baptism of the Holy Ghost (2 Corinthians 12:12,13 ; Galatians 3:26-29)
3) Those who miss the rapture will face the Anti-christ and the Mark of the Beast (Rev 14:9-12)
- If you reject salvation when it is free it is unlikely you will receive when it cost you your life.